A NELSON mother-of-three who set up a healing and therapy business seven months ago has decided to branch out by forming a children's healing session.

Shanaz Akhtar, 37, of Manchester Road, opened the One Stop Health and Beauty Clinic in Accrington last year but four weeks ago she began free weekend sessions to help ease the pain of sick children.

Although qualified in reflexology and aromatherapy, Shanaz is hoping to concentrate on her healing skills and people have begun travelling from as far as Barnoldswick for her help.

She said: "It's a children's clinic but without the feel of being in a doctor's surgery. I treat children with asthma, eczema, leukaemia, eating disorders and stress and this week a new client started with cerebral palsy.

"It hands-on healing and people tell me it feels like a tingling sensation. I try to help them cut down on their medication. These people are taking advantage of it and are booking in for their next session before they've even had treatment."

The healing sessions are held between 9.30am and 1pm, on Sundays, and parents usually donate around £5 for the treatment.